Finding the library proved to be not that hard given that, as Shining Armor put it, it was larger than a lot of the surrounding buildings and the front had a large crystal in the shape of a book. Spike and Sparx took a moment to admire the outside and how it all looked to be made of crystal in one way or another before moving closer. Testing the front door found it to be already unlocked so with some hesitation they entered.
Inside was a collection of book rival to that of the Canterlot Library. Spike already could imagine Twilight if she ever saw this place. A small smile touched his face as he saw the unicorn bouncing from shelf to shelf with speeds that would make Rainbow Dash impressed and an energy on the level of Pinkie Pie.
A mare, again with the same kind of hexanol eyes as the last one though she was much older in age approached “Welcome to the Crystal Library. Is there anything I can do to help you?”
Spike pondered a moment “Yes thank you actually. I was wondering if you have a book on the history or culture of the Crystal Empire?”
“Of course Sir. Right this way.” She replies walking towards one of the hallways with the dragon and dragonfly following “Though I have to warn you that his Majesty ordered most of the history books removed. Said they were a danger to the Kingdom.”
“You mean Sombra?” Sparx asked
“KING Sombra.” The librarian replied earning an eye roll from the dragonfly as they stopped in one of the hallways in front of a shelf that was mostly empty with a few books and tomes left. “Here are the books that are left. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.”
“Whelp let’s see if there is anything of value here.” Sparx stated as Spike picked up a random book and started going through it.
As the two continued to work, the librarian would pop in every now and then. Considering the place looked pretty abandoned and Spike didn’t hear the sound of the main door opening and closing he assumed that most of the residents were still hiding in their homes. Most likely thinking that they would be punished for coming outside. The books themselves were of mild interest going over various cultural norms and customs like the viewing of the Northern Lights, the Crystalling, and the Crystal Pony Fair which seemed to be the biggest one of them all. As Spike read it, he became more and more aware of the role the Crystal Ponies played in this fair.
“Oh so that is how that works.” He finally stated closing the book and leaving it on top of the small pile he had created.
“What works?” Sparx answered floating back towards him.
“I was trying to figure out how they kept their city from becoming a winter wasteland. Apparently this does in fact tie in to those ritual lines below the castle. During the Crystal Fair the residents pour their happiness, love, compassion, and joy which creates a shield protecting the city.”
“Wow sometimes I forget I’m in magical talking horse land.” Sparx comments in a bit of a sarcastic tone. “So why don’t we get that fair up and running, get that shield up and then Cadence won’t have to keep using her magic protecting the city.”
“You think it would be that simple but there is...something else. Some piece that serves as the catalyst for this spell.” Spike glances at the pile of books “However seems that the good King did his best to censor that information. All I know is that it involves something called a Crystal Heart.”
When Spike uttered the name, a sharp pain entered his head causing him to clutch it. The outside world die around him to the point where everything looked hazy and unfocused. The only thing he was able to process was a voice echoing “Young one...Young one...Find me before it is too late.”
As suddenly as it arrived, the sharp pain left him and he had somehow passed out on the floor with Sparx hovering over him. The dragonfly’s mouth was moving but the dragon couldn’t make out the sounds as his ears were still ringing. So he just stared blankly at him until his brain got his senses back in order enough to hear that Sparx was calling his name out.
“Yeah?” Spike blankly replied which was enough for the dragonfly to let out a breath of relief.
“Oh finally. For a moment I thought I was going to have to fly off to get Cynder or Shining or someone”
“What happened?”
“Don’t know. One moment you were talking about some Crystal Heart and the next you were passed out on the floor staring off into space. It honestly reminded me of when Spyro was contacted by the old Chronicler.”
Spike got up to his feet and his mind once again went to that strange voice that sounded like the one he heard back in Canterlot. This time it was clearer which meant it must have been close by but something is still obstructing it. Still he couldn’t help but think that there was something important about that voice...something involving him finding the source as soon as possible.Plus he figured that the Crystal Fair would be the only way to get the Crystal Ponies out of their homes and be there for when it was time to charge the shield. Also Sombra was still out there and with Spyro temporary wounded and Cadence putting all of her magic on maintaining the barrier they would need more help in order to save the kingdom.
“I think it's about time we call in some back up.” Spike said to himself before grabbing the book involving the Crystal Fair and heading out of the library with Sparx following behind.